Kim St. MarieProgram Director

kims@mnaeyc-mnsaca.org

Informational Session- Becoming a MAAP Endorser.

Welcome! Name Email address Phone Number What you hope to learn from today’s

session

Background

Evolved from the National Afterschool Association’s (NAA) Accreditation

MAAP began in 2009 as a pilot with 13 programs

50 visits have occurred 47 programs are MAAP Accredited (as of

July 2012) 34 programs currently enrolled (SY 12-

13)

Why Accreditation? Ultimate indication of program quality Provides out-of-school time professionals

with performance indictors to inform program planning, implementation and evaluation

Serves to guide families in making informed choices about OST time care and opportunities for youth.

Supports a team approach to program improvement

Fosters the development of a competent, caring, and qualified staff.

Sample Visit SchedulesAM Visit 6:30-6:50 Tour/meet staff

and set up work space 7:00-9:00 Observe 9:00-9:30 Interview

Director/Prepare for Stakeholder Meeting

9:30-10:30 Conduct Stakeholder Meeting

10:30-12:00 Document review

12:00-1:00 Prepare for Exit Interview

1:00-2:00 Exit Interview

PM Visit 12:30-12:50 Tour

and set up work space 1:00-3:00 Doc

Review and Interview Director

3:15-3:30 Meet staff and observe set up

3:30-5:30 Observe 5:45-6:45 Conduct

Stakeholder Meeting 7:30-8:30 Exit

Interview

Test your observation skills!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGcoQjQEP_c

Answers Clip 1:1. Green2. 19893. Jackhammer4. Mom5. 9

http://viscog.beckman.illinois.edu/flashmovie/15.php

Time Commitment

Pre-Visit Document Review 1-2 hoursPre-Visit communication w/program ½ hourVisit Day (not including travel time) 8 hoursPost Visit Report Prep and Submission 2 hours

Approximate time spent/visit 12 hours

Skills and abilities of an effective MAAP Endorser

Excellent observation skills Ability to observe objectively w/o bias or judgment Excellent interpersonal skills Strong verbal AND written skills (able to paint a written picture of what

was observed) Ability to work independently, efficiently, establish priorities and meet

deadlines Excellent time management skills Ability to travel Computer proficient

MS WORD, Excel, email systems

Qualifications Maintain current membership in MnSACA Minimum of 3 years OST experience Some education related to child development-Bachelor’s degree

preferred Thorough understanding of afterschool/youth development

principles and best practices Exhibited leadership Value OST program quality Dedicated to advancing the field Successful completion of Accreditation Endorser training Successful completion of shadow visit with experienced

endorser

Responsibilities of a MAAP Endorser Represent MAAP in a positive and professional manner Conduct at least 3 visits per calendar year Schedule and perform visit Review program documentation Observe program for at least 2 hours Interview program director for clarity around specific standards Facilitate Stakeholder Meeting Verify procedures have been followed Adhere to all deadlines set forth in MAAP Protocol

Schedule visit Conduct visit Submit Visit Report and all required paperwork.

MAAP’s Responsibilities to the Endorser

Provide Endorser Training Hold Endorser Refresher Trainings Process program’s visit application and assign endorser(s) to

visit(s) Distribute program’s documentation to Endorser within specified

deadlines Be available for Endorser to call w/questions during visit Convene Review Panel and facilitate the review of visit

documentation Process $200 Endorser Stipend for each successful visit

Endorser Etiquette

Arrange in advance what your plan will be if; ill, emergency arises or poor weather conditions arise.

Be on time, and check in with the appropriate person when you arrive. If you are unavoidably delayed, call to say you will be late.

Make sure the program introduces you to all the staff and Stakeholder members. If he/she does not, introduce yourself. Try to refer to people by name.

Follow the rules and customs of the school and the program.  Be unobtrusive. Your job is to observe, not to interrupt the flow of things. You

must not participate in children’s activities or engage in conversation with staff or children. It is ok, however, to ask a staff person a question that will help give them credit for an indicator in question.  

Maintain a pleasant, interested look. Do not show signs of disapproval or try to fix situation.

Endorser Etiquette (cont’d) As much as possible, do not engage in conversation with the staff. If it is necessary to ask a

staff person a clarifying question, do so in a non-confrontational manner and when they are not engaged with children.

Remember, you are a role model for the children and staff you are observing. Do not sit on tables, cupboards or eat while observing.

Your body language should indicate that you are an observer, not a participant. If asked, briefly explain the purpose of your visit. If asked to play, explain you must complete your work but that you appreciate the offer. Engaging in unnecessary interactions may hamper your ability to observe objectively and may keep you from seeing what is really taking place. 

See what you need to, but respect the program’s privacy, i.e. when you look in the restroom, wait until there are no children present. If you want to see materials in the cupboard, ask the staff if you can look inside. Do not open cabinets without permission. 

Maintain a professional relationship with the program staff. Do not socialize with them while on a visit. Do not accept gifts from them.

Before you leave, say good-bye to the staff and children. Thank them for welcoming you as a visitor.

Questions?

Did we cover what you wrote on your post-it?

Thank you for attending today’s session

Enjoy the conference!